Motorcycle Minimalist or FuddyDuddy?

I have been asked countless times why I don't have bike to bike communications on my helmet? Why don't you listen to music while riding? Why don't you care for ABS?

I ride a motorcycle for various reasons but the biggest reason is fun.. Listening to music? The sound of an engine beneath me, air rushing past my helmet and all the mechanical sounds that the bike makes, is the music. Glorious music. I can't imagine talking to someone while riding, it would detract from all that a motorcycle takes me away from.

Some of my best thoughts, memories and Ideas come from the solitude that being on the bike gives. I often wonder how someone can be yacking on the phone or talking with there riding buddies on a road trip. For me, talking is for before and after. My wife and I communicate really well just by gestures and body movement.

ABS? I have a 2010 triumph Tiger 1050 with ABS and I'm really on the fence regarding this peculiar braking function. I know it's proven and safe in the right straight line stopping situation.........or is it? Shortly after buying the tiger, I was on a trip in southern Utah riding through the picturesque Bryce Canyon national park area when something caught my eye. I executed a quick mirror and head check followed by a quick exit on to the gravel next to the road. OH NO!, where did the brakes go???, I really need to stop as there is a parked car closing fast with no other exit.
Nothing but pulsations from the rear brake pedal and front brake lever.

I finally came to a stop just an inch or two from hitting the car and I exited the road at about 10 mph. I know without a doubt that had I not had abs I could have stopped well short of the car and at least been able to steer used a locked up rear tire. The look from the poor woman who was in front of her car painting was priceless.  I looked at her and said, ABS......Ain't Been Stoppin!

The Tiger is no raw sport bike but plenty capable of riding fast and precise. Well.........abs does limit it's ability to deliver. Sometimes I like to ride very aggressive and while diving fast and deep into the apex of a corner the last thing I want is for anything to upset the smooth flow of a great corner......but, on comes the abs!  What?, not now! really? This has happened more times than I can count. I'd probably be happier with out it thank you.

Traction control?, Power modes?, Slipper clutch?, (well, maybe a slipper clutch) Do I need all that? Again, It's just more techno gadgetry that I don't think I need. I would much prefer to be technical on my own merits rather than to rely on all this magic.

The only real magical device I use is a GPS, and of course the mother of all devices, the Smart Phone.

Maybe I'm a Geezer or a Motorcycle minimalist. What ever I am, I'm happy.